Line movement: The Texans opened as 4-point favorites in early Sunday night betting and were quickly bet up to -5.5. After their Monday win at the Jets — their first non-cover of the season — the Texans were re-opened at -4.5 on Tuesday. Part of the adjustment also had to with Brian Cushing being out, one of the few defensive players in the league that are worth a full point.The Packers have since been bet down to 3.5. The total has dropped from 48.5 down to 47.5.

Recent meetings:

— 12/07/2008: Houston 24-21 (Packers -7) at Green Bay

Packers outlook: Aaron Rodgers, who ranks just eighth in passer rating (96.9), acknowledged this week that he hasn’t played his best. Specifically, he’s holding onto the ball too long. Look for him to be sharp despite the likely absence of No. 1 WR Greg Jennings (groin). Underachieving TE Jermichael Finley (shoulder) also is uncertain to play, but D.J. Williams is a more-than-capable replacement. Green Bay is averaging just 22.4 points after scoring 35.0 per game last season. The Pack has virtually no running game, especially now that RB Cedric Benson (foot) is out for eight games. The defense has allowed 938 yards over the last two games. Clay Matthews (8 sacks this season) is the only feared defender.

Packers trends:

— Packers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games following a SU loss.

— Packers are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss.

— Packers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games vs. winning teams.

— Packers are 0-4 ATS in their last four road games.

— Over is 5-1 in the Packers’ last six games on grass.

— Over is 6-1 in the Packers’ last seven games following a SU loss.

Packers’ key injuries:

— RB Cedric Benson (foot) out

— TE Jermichael Finley (shoulder) questionable

— DT B.J. Raji (ankle) questionable

— WR Greg Jennings (groin) doubtful

— S Sean Richardson (hamstring) questionable

Texans outlook: One of two remaining undefeated teams, Houston suffered a big blow with the season-ending injury to leading tackler Brian Cushing. LB Tim Dobbins did a credible job after replacing him vs. the Jets, notching four tackles and a pass breakup. DE J.J. Watt is the early favorite for Defensive Player of the Year: he’s got 8.5 sacks and eight pass deflections. The offense revolves around Arian Foster, who ranks second in the NFL with 532 rushing yards. QB Matt Schaub excels on play-action throws and has thrown just two INTs.

Texans trends:

— Texans are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four home games.

— Texans are 12-3-2 ATS in their last 17 games overall.

— Over is 24-11-2 in the Texans’ last 37 games following an ATS loss.

— Texans are 5-2-1 ATS in their last eight games vs. losing teams.

— Texans are 14-2-2 ATS in their last 18 games on grass.

Texans’ key injuries:

— RB Ben Tate (toe) questionable

— LB Brian Cushing (knee) out

What The Linemakers are saying: This is a lot of points to be giving a Packers team that has hung around in every game they've played. They may have a 2-3 record, but it took two miracles in the three losses to account for the unflattering, un-Packers-like record. We expect the Packers to play well in this game, and we also expect the loss of Cushing to be a damaging blow to this Texans defense. Taking the points is the value here.